We have revised down our forecast for Poland s ----/-- wheat harvest on the back of poor weather conditions throughout much of the growing season. Cold snaps in autumn and spring and a prolonged dry spell from the beginning of ---- until May have been cited as the causes of the expected decline in wheat yields. We now expect Poland to produce --.-mn tonnes of wheat in ----/-- compared to a previous forecast of --.-mn tonnes. Poland s Ministry of Agriculture has vowed to oppose any provisions in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) under discussion between the EU and US that might threaten the interests of the sector. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Jacek Bogucki told Polish Radio that US food could undercut EU produce because of lower standards of quality and environmental protection. ...The situation in Poland is just one example of this broader trend; DG Agri data show prices of liquid milk in Poland recorded a decline of --.- from March ---- to March ----. Although we maintain a positive long- term view for the dairy segment, H--- looks set to see low profitability continue.
...BMI View: Milk production in Poland has increased despite low prices, as dairy farmers take advantage of the end of the EU quota scheme. While the Polish government lobbies for EU support on behalf of the dairy industry, the exploitation of overseas markets is necessary to secure the future well being of the sub-sector. Wheat yields will suffer, on the back of challenging weather conditions, but our longer-term view is for improved farming practices to continue boosting output per hectare. The livestock segment has adjusted well to the fallout from Russian sanctions and the outbreak of African swine fever and we are confident that producers will enjoy export-led growth, supported by domestic and foreign investment, although low prices remain a concern for pig farmers. The sugar segment will struggle to increase yields sufficiently to thrive in the post-quota environment. ...The livestock segment has adjusted well to the fallout from Russian sanctions and the outbreak of African swine fever and we are confident that producers will enjoy export-led growth, supported by domestic and foreign investment, although low prices remain a concern for pig farmers. The sugar segment will struggle to increase yields sufficiently to thrive in the post-quota environment.
...Poland has successfully moved from a centrally planned economy to a stable, free- market system that has expanded in recent years. Poland is a significant producer of wheat, sugar beet, poultry, pork and milk. ...
